Group vs. Private training

[Discussing Labradoodles & Goldendoodles]

In last than 4 weeks we are bringing home our new puppy. She will be about 4 and 1/2 months old and I know I'd like to start training as soon as possible. I'd like as much input as I can get about group vs. private training. What are your opinions and how do you know which is right for your dog? What did you choose and why?

[Kelli, Fenway, & Dustin Pedroia]

I've actually done both. With our first doodle we started out with private training, which was very helpful, however I felt like it didn't help us when it came to distractions and socialization. I went at it on my own after that and felt pretty good about that too. I've also done small group training, which was good too, especially since my girl's biggest problem is distractions. In my opinion it really depends more on the trainer than on group vs. private as well as the philosophy that you believe in. As long as you're training though I think you're on the right path. That's so exciting that you're getting your first doodle! You're going to be in love!

[Tammy & Gracie]

I have always used group training for obedience and agility. I think one important part of training is socialization with both stranger canines and humans. I also completed basic with two different non-affiliated instructors. I learned different things from each of them. However, I am turning into a class-with-dog junkie. It's so much fun!

[Adina P]

From someone who's done neither (ok, I DID have 1 session each with 2 diff trainers when Rosco was a pup but that was just to help with ONE problem...) and chose to go at it alone this is what I've observed:

1) Group classes are cheaper.since lots of people are paying for the trainer's time at once...he/she can charge less. Private is often $60-120 per hour which gets expensive.

2) For pups it seems the social aspect of group is very good...

3) For ALL aged dogs IF you don't have options for practicing around other dogs...group is good.

4) The camarederie of working with others and seeing others work their dogs might broaden your perspective in a group class

5) Private training might be better if/when A) you can't meet at a set time each week or don't want to travel or B) you need more focused help.

For a puppy that is pretty typical of other pups, doesn't have major issues, and is just starting (so fine tuning of skills is in the future)...I would vote for group classes for the socialization and learning together with other aspect :)

[Adina P]

One more thing. Keep in mind that although at first the new dogs in class will be a strong distraction..over the weeks the setting will be less and less novel. So... it will still be important to seek out novel distractions and other dogs to work around to really help seal in the training. Maybe not as much with your 1st class (since attention spans will be short at this age) but for sure with the next level of class(es) you take. Helps the dog generalize beyond home and class time. There are many dogs who pass obedience classes but still don't obey in public...that is only because the training was not transitioned to public places and novel situations enough.

[Allyson, Peri & Taquito]

I am starting Peri in group training next month. I think it will be extremely beneficial for her to be distracted and around other dogs. For example, she sits, stays, etc...beautifully at home with me. Take her to a friend's house with other dogs and activity and she does not know how to listen. Won't even listen to her name! So I am hoping group classes help.

[Noble Vestal Labradoodles]

I prefer group class so that my dogs are proofed against the distraction of other dogs, food, noise, different people, sounds, smells.

I can line my dogs up at the door for guests and they Sit Stay because they have had the practice of doing this with distraction.

Glad you found a puppy!

[HANNAH 8/2/07 & HONEY 7/2/08]

I have never done private training with any of my dogs. I prefer to take my dogs to group classes, they have all the distractions and socialization they can handle and then some, I feel it makes them better dogs. When I started Hannah, we went to a Kennel who offered training classes, not a place like Petco...or Super Pets. Our class had about 8 to 10 families, and they were a lot of fun, we also started with RallyO, but Hannah did not like it, so we switched to another training center and started working on Agility. We still need to practice a lot and hope sometime by next summer to be doing some Agility competitions. As for Honey we are getting ready to start with some obedience soon as I have worked with her on my own at home, and she is doing really great lately since she is coming out of her shyness. I think the main thing with doing group classes is you need to feel comfortable with your trainer, and you need to be able to have a relationship with them if you feel your pup or dog is not performing to what it should be, that you can seek the help if needed. Any good reputable trainer will give that individual time to help you to make the right corrections even during classes. It's not to embarass you, but to better you and your pup's learning experiences. Ask around in your area, ask to observe a class, most trainers will also let you to sit in on a class, and you can observe what your pup will be learning. Best of Luck with your new Pup...

[Jane, Guinness and Murphy]

I chose the Petco training for the socialization. Actually we ended up being the only members of the puppy class, so it's just like private training. I do get the benefit of training in the store with all the distractions, and this has been extremely beneficial. We also send Guinness to doggy daycare one half day each week so he can socialize freely with the other dogs. I've read so much while we were waiting for our puppy, and that has been extremely helpful. I've also learned from the dog training shows on Animal Planet. Bottom line, I think the key is how much time you actually spend with your puppy on the training exercises. Repetition and consistency are the keys I'm finding....even more than just the right class or trainer.

[Nina, Phil, Harlow & Lacey]

I have always done group classes. It is the only way I can guarantee I will make time to practice so I won’t be embarrassed at the next class. But I also use the class for socialization and distraction. We are currently doing puppy training at PetsMart, though once we complete we will move to a local dog trainer who does advanced classes and agility.

[Sessa]

I have always been the primary "trainer" for my dogs...I also take them through at least two levels of group classes including beginner and intermediate...I have not had an occasion to use a private trainer, but, I'm certainly not opposed to the idea.

Group training is very necessary, I believe. The benefits are obvious and well worth the money.

Private sessions are beneficial, IMO, for specific "issues" that may arise later on down the road..."issues" that need one-on-one attention or directed sessions in particular locations, like at home.

Training by YOU--in the home, in the yard, at the park, on the sidewalk, ANYWHERE, is frankly the BEST and CHEAPEST route around! ;)
Thinking about training as a WAY OF LIFE and something that is FUN, makes it not only easier on YOU but also the pup--these are the building blocks by which you two will communicate the rest of your lives!
(Besides, by doing tons of work at home before hand--by the time you make it group class, even with the new distractions, your doodle will be more apt to GO TO THE HEAD OF THE CLASS!!)

CONGRATS ON THE NEW PUP!! HOW FUN!!

[Maryann,Roo and Tigger]

I, too, am a "class with dog" junkie. I have taken private and group lessons from lots of trainers. On the whole, group classes, if the group is fairly small ( say 6-10) are cheaper and just as helpful to you and your puppy. Parks and rec classes are often very cheap, but have either an inexperienced trainer, too many dogs or both. Experienced trainers almost always ( notice I said almost) run their own classes. You will get homework to practice everyday at home and then in the next class you use what you practiced with other dogs very near. This is a really important part of your pupppies education.

A good group trainer will be willing to come to your home if you have a special problem, but usually that is not necessary if you get a puppy and start off right. Don't be loyal to a trainer if it just is not working for you. Try a different trainer. Try not to have to many preconceived ideas about only positive training or absolutely no treating. Different things work with different dogs and most dogs are going to need correction ( this is not punishment - it is correcting the wrong behavior to the desired behavior) and most dogs are going to benefit from the use of treats. Practice everyday, twice a day for 15 minutes increasing to a maximum of 30 minutes as the dog gets older. There is absolutely no easier way to get a well trained dog than to work, really work, at having one for the first year of the dog's life. Then just a couple of focused sessions a week will keep it up for the rest of his life. It is possible to teach an older dog anything you can teach a younger dog, it is just harder - for you. And the very best thing about all of this is: it will bond your puppy to you l and it will be fun! enjoy.

[Adrianne Matzkin]

I have always been a firm believer in the group classes. Socialization & distractions should never be missed. But after seeing , DK member, Debbie Kaikaka here in NJ, I think that a combination, if you can afford it, would be best.

I always thought that working with a private trainer the dog would only work for them and not me. Debbie has totally changed my mind!

Group classes offer a puppy the most important socialization for any puppy- the same age that cannot possibly be found anywhere else. While working they have distractions of their friends - next to rolling a ball passed Samantha that was the hardest time for her.

BUT - I have seen Debbie in action. She is incredible! A private trainer gives you the one-on-one that you can't possibly get in a classroom situation. Whatever your need is, it is addressed - you don't have to wait for the class to get to an issue.

The most important training that needs to be done for any puppy or dog, is desenitization - to new sounds, people and places - clippers, scissors, the mailman, lawnmower, trains, buses, car, bicycles, skateboarders, joggers - everything that is not the norm in your everyday life. Take your practice sessions to the park (not dog park), town, post office, etc.

Don't forget that everyone in your family needs to follow the same training plan with CONSISTENCY.

PRACTICE PRACTICE PRACTICE